Bleeder Bottle w/Magnet and Check Valve ALL11017

OVERVIEW

Bleeding the brakes on your vintage air-cooled Volkswagen has traditionally been a two-person chore that often ends with a driveway full of corrosive brake fluid and a frustrated assistant. The ALLSTAR PERFORMANCE Bleeder Bottle with Magnet and Check Valve (ALL11017) is the definitive solution for the solo mechanic looking to achieve a rock-solid pedal without the mess. Designed with a heavy-duty 16oz. capacity and a high-strength magnetic retainer, this bottle allows you to secure the unit directly to your brake drum, rotor, or chassis, keeping it upright and stable throughout the entire process. Whether you are refreshing the lines on a classic Beetle or setting up a high-performance disc brake conversion on a sand rail, this tool eliminates the guesswork and the cleanup, ensuring that your hydraulic system remains air-free and responsive.

What sets this specific model apart from generic catch-cans is the integrated one-way check valve. This internal mechanism is a lifesaver for the one-man shop, as it allows fluid and air to exit the bleeder screw while preventing any air or old fluid from being sucked back into the system when the brake pedal is released. The 12-inch long hose is flexible enough to reach tight spots behind backing plates but robust enough to stay firmly attached to most standard bleeder screws. Additionally, the removable cap features a built-in storage fitting that secures the hose when the job is done, preventing those annoying drips in your toolbox. This isn''t just a bottle; it''s a professional-grade instrument designed to make your VW maintenance faster, cleaner, and significantly more efficient.

FITMENT

This universal brake bleeding tool is essential for any hydraulic system found in air-cooled Volkswagens and custom off-road builds. It is compatible with the following models and years:

• VW Beetle / Bug: All years (1946-1979)
• VW Super Beetle: All years (1971-1979)
• VW Karmann Ghia: All years (1956-1974)
• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: Split Window and Bay Window (1950-1979)
• VW Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): All years (1961-1973)
• VW Thing (Type 181): All years (1973-1975)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All custom chassis using VW-based master cylinders and calipers.
• Baja Bugs: Perfect for high-clearance suspension setups where reaching bleeder screws is difficult.

SPECS

The ALL11017 is engineered for durability and ease of use in harsh garage environments. Detailed technical specifications include:

• Bottle Capacity: 16 Ounces (High-volume fluid collection).
• Hose Length: 12 Inches of chemical-resistant flexible tubing.
• Check Valve: Integrated one-way internal valve for solo operation.
• Mounting System: High-pull magnetic retainer for secure attachment to steel surfaces.
• Bottle Material: Transparent, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for fluid level visibility.
• Cap Design: Removable screw-top with integrated hose storage port to prevent leaks.
• Compatibility: Fits most standard automotive bleeder screws (SAE and Metric).
• Weight: Lightweight and portable at approximately 0.31 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Always Monitor Your Reservoir Level

The most common mistake when using a one-person bleeder bottle is getting over-confident and forgetting to check the master cylinder reservoir. Because the check valve makes the process so smooth and effortless, it is easy to pump the pedal several times and accidentally empty the reservoir. If the fluid level drops too low, you will suck air into the master cylinder, requiring you to start the entire process over from the beginning. We recommend checking and topping off your reservoir after every 5 to 6 pumps of the pedal to ensure a continuous, air-free flow of fluid.

2. Proper Magnet Placement for Optimal Flow

When using the magnetic retainer, try to position the bottle higher than the bleeder screw whenever possible. While the check valve does a great job of preventing backflow, keeping the bottle elevated allows any air bubbles to naturally rise up into the bottle and stay there. On a VW Beetle, sticking the magnet to the top of the brake drum or the shock tower provides a stable, high mounting point that keeps the hose taut and prevents kinks. This ensures that you can clearly see the air bubbles exiting the line through the transparent hose, giving you a visual confirmation of when the line is fully bled.

3. Clean the Check Valve After Use

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture, which can lead to crystallization or gumming up over long periods of storage. To ensure your ALL11017 lasts for years, it is a great idea to rinse the hose and the check valve with a small amount of denatured alcohol or fresh brake fluid after you finish your project. This prevents any old, contaminated fluid from hardening inside the one-way valve mechanism. Once cleaned, snap the hose into the built-in cap fitting; this seals the system and keeps your garage shelf clean from any residual brake fluid drips.